RIP Uncle Bailey

I'm sad to share, my friends, that my Uncle Bailey, the star of one of my most read posts, has crossed the rainbow bridge. That guy beat more diseases in his 12 years than most dogs have a chance to fight, but a mass on his liver was one he could not get by, leaving him sick and so weak he could not even rally to drink his water. My human grandparents did the kindest thing they could by giving him a gentle nudge towards the other side and holding his paws as he drifted off to sleep. The reason they did it was their love for that little guy, but that same love is what's breaking their hearts now. That's a hard one for all of us, I think. I know my Uncle Bailey was sad to leave them but grateful just the same.

I also know he's looking back as he crosses and thinking about his human parents, my B-shaw and Grandad. Grandad was his number one human, and Uncle Bailey enjoyed their daily walks and TV together time. B-shaw is a champion gift-giver who spoiled him rotten, and he loved her for her snuggles and thoughtful gifts of treats and toys. I know when he gets there, he'll be jazzed to meet some of my other canine aunts and uncles who preceded him to the other side - Boss Dog, Candy, MacArthur, and Bentley. Dad says they'll all make quite an impressive crew of siblings in dog heaven.

I can't pretend Uncle Bailey and I were best friends. I was jealous of his never ending lineup of tasty snacks and the fact that he got to sleep in his humans' bed. But I will always remember him for being cute as a button, grunting like a pig at me, playing chase around the first floor of our house against his will, and snoozing under the raised footrest of Dad's recliner.

I hope he knows I will be sure to give B-shaw and Grandad lots of snuggles for him. I'll be glad to take the supply of unused dog treats off their hands, too, and I'll walk with Grandad to the wild raspberry bushes up the street. We'll tell stories about him and raise a glass - or a water bowl - to his memory.

Thanks, Bailey, for being the best canine uncle I've ever had. I'll see you on the other side - save some snacks for me.